Hi-tech survey of Mumbai, Thane slums launched

For the first time, Maharashtra's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has launched a 'Door-to-Door Biometric-Enabled Slum Hutment Survey' in Mumbai and Thane, an official said here on Friday.

"Using GIS map, the survey will compile digital maps of all the slums in the region which will benefit genuine slumdwellers and ensure proper housing for the legal hutment dwellers," SRA CEO Aseem Gupta said.

As part of the unique initiative, the SRA will issue Smart Cards to all the surveyed structures - starting with the survey taken up in Mogra and Majaswadi areas of Jogeshwari east - in all slums where an estimated 55 percent of Mumbai's population lives.

The Smart Card will act as a proof of survey as a slum-dweller and his residence, ensure the rehabilitation of the slums and hutments in a systematic manner.

Minister of State for Housing Ravindra Waikar said using the latest Li-DAR, GPS/ETS technologies, the surveyors have started moving around slums of Mogra and Majaswadi armed with a Tablet containing pre-loaded survey forms.

After taking all relevant information about the hutments and the personal details of the dwellers, the GIS map of the location would be creating using satellite imagery, Li-DAR technology and 360 degree panoramic images of the entire slum area.

The tablet will capture and store images of all the documents submitted by each respondent and submit them to the SRA, Waikar added.

The exercise was expected to wean out many illegal slumdwellers besides those from other states or of doubtful nationality who have in the past allegedly derived undeserved benefits at government expense, officials later explained.

The survey will continue for a year to cover all the 1.25 million (12.50 lakh) slum homes in Mumbai and Thane.

After collecting the complete data, the SRA will determine which slums fall on state government lands, central government lands, civic lands or private properties before chalking appropriate rehab schemes, SRA CEO Gupta said.